Pharmacologic therapy for pregnancy-induced hypertension

Complications of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) remain a leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. The etiology of the disease is not fully understood, but pathologic effects of PIH on maternal organ systems are well documented. Present strategies for management emphasize prevention and control of eclamptic seizure and hypertensive crisis and correction of fluid imbalance. The article reviews current trends in drug therapy for the acute management of PIH. Topics discussed include evaluation of magnesium sulfate as an anticonvulsant, hydralazine versus labetalol for management of hypertension, and the role of colloid osmotic pressure in fluid therapy.